We Are Jersey Is Building a Creative Legacy Rooted in Culture and Community

From a late-night idea to a statewide movement, this New Jersey media platform is amplifying stories that mainstream outlets overlook.

Essex County, NJ — In a world where digital noise often overshadows authenticity, We Are Jersey is proving that real stories still matter.

Founded in 2014 by Daniel Banks and Bridget Papino, We Are Jersey began as a humble magazine dedicated to New Jersey’s indie music scene. Today, it’s a full-scale multimedia platform that’s featured over 300 creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the state—and it’s just getting started.

A Platform Born From Purpose

The vision was sparked by frustration. Daniel and Bridget saw the disconnect firsthand—brilliant creatives were showing up at events, pouring into their communities, and building from the ground up, but nobody was documenting their work.

So they created a platform that would.

We Are Jersey wasn’t just about exposure. It was about validation. Representation. Belonging.

Real Stories, Real People, Real Impact

What makes We Are Jersey different? They don’t wait until someone’s famous to tell their story.

They spotlight people in the moment—while they’re still grinding, still learning, still building. Their features are momentum builders, often leading to partnerships, gigs, and new opportunities for those included.

Some of their standout features include:

• Shakur Stevenson – Olympic medalist and world champ

• Uniique – A pioneer of Jersey Club music

• Qaysean Williams – Adaptive fashion designer and inclusivity advocate

• Reggie Couz – Viral content creator and music entrepreneur

• Pilar Scratch – Celebrity stylist and parenting influencer

These are just a few of the many voices the platform has helped uplift.

Beyond a Magazine: A Creative Ecosystem

We Are Jersey has evolved into more than a magazine. It’s now a full creative agency, offering:

• Media production + branding for small businesses

• Paid internships in journalism, marketing, and video editing

• Community mixers, creative workshops, and panel discussions

• A youth storytelling initiative launching this June

It’s a hands-on, heart-led approach to creative development—something many local artists say they couldn’t find anywhere else.

Led by Passion, Fueled by Community

The team behind the brand does it all: from curating interviews to designing magazine spreads, leading events, mentoring interns, and expanding their digital reach.

Their mission? To bridge creatives, community, and culture—not just in New Jersey, but wherever untold stories exist.

As Bridget Papino, Co-Founder, puts it: “We’re not just covering culture. We’re contributing to it.”

What’s Next for We Are Jersey?

The next few months are stacked with action:

• Creative Networking Mixer – June 2025

• Youth Media Project Launch – June 2025

• Summer Internship Cohort – Applications open soon

• Workshops and Panels – Dates TBA

• Community Spotlight Series – Ongoing

Looking ahead, they’re also developing a docuseries focused on the real-life journeys of the creatives they’ve featured—set to highlight the behind-the-scenes hustle few ever see.

A Movement Built on Collaboration

We Are Jersey has worked with a range of mission-driven partners including:

• The Valerie Fund

• DPBell & Associates

• Rose City Studios

• MadMinds

• The Darkside

• DFree Global Foundation

• Bentley’s Restaurant

These partnerships have helped make mentorships, events, and outreach projects possible.

Support the Movement

Want to support We Are Jersey? Here’s how:

• Buy a magazine at wajmagazine.com

• Attend their upcoming events

• Donate or sponsor a student intern

• Follow + share their work online

• Refer a young creative to their team

Connect with We Are Jersey:

Website: wearejerseyent.com

Magazine: wajmagazine.com

Instagram: @wajmagazine

Twitter: @wearejerseyent

Email: [email protected]